9/15/2001

While discussing a response to the 9/11 attacks at Camp David on September 15, 2001, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Hugh Shelton mentioned military options against Afghanistan. “Before Shelton could even get to his third option, [Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul] Wolfowitz interrupted. ‘But we really need to think broader than that right now,’ he said. ‘That’s not big enough. We’ve got to make sure we go ahead and get Saddam out at the same time–it’s a perfect opportunity.’ By Shelton’s later account, [President] Bush became incensed. ‘How many times do I have to tell you we are not going after Iraq right this minute?’ he snapped at Wolfowitz. ‘We’re going to go after the people we know did this to us. Do you understand me?’ ”

 – Peter Baker, Days of Fire, Page 144